________________________
________________________
On Tuesday, September 18, 2012, at approximately 5:15 PM, the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff Station received a call from the victim. The victim said an acquaintance forcibly took her car keys and stole her car in the 23000 block of Pacific Coast Highway.
Deputies responded and initiated a crime broadcast to other Sheriff’s stations and law enforcement agencies. Utilizing law enforcement resources and technology, deputies were able to locate the stolen car in the city of Santa Monica. While deputies were responding to the location, a Sheriff’s Department helicopter responded and located the stolen car. Prior to ground units arriving, the stolen car left.
Sheriff’s Aero Bureau personnel followed the car and directed ground units until they were behind the stolen car. When deputies attempted to make a traffic stop, the driver failed to yield and deputies initiated a pursuit. Deputies pursued the suspect through the city of Santa Monica for approximately three minutes before relinquishing the pursuit to Santa Monica Police Department officers.
A short time later, the suspect crashed into several other motorists, disabling the stolen car. The suspect was taken into custody by Santa Monica Police Department officers without further incident. Deputies responded and took custody of the suspect. The suspect, along with two motorists were treated for minor injuries.
Suspect James Stearns, male White, 53 years-old, was arrested and booked at Malibu/Lost Hills Station for carjacking, felony evading and driving under the influence with a bail of $100,000. Suspect Stearns is currently on Parole for assault with a deadly weapon.
